February 7, 2018 - On December 2, 2016, a technical representative for a shield manufacturer, with 13 years of experience, received fatal injuries while adding components to the hydraulic system of a longwall shield. The victim was positioned inside the shield near the hinge point when the shield collapsed and crushed him.

Accident Classification: Machinery

Location: Oak Grove Mine, Alabama

Mine Type: Coal

Controller: ERP Compliant Fuels, LLC

Mined Material: Coal (Bituminous)

Incident Date: December 2, 2016 - 11:00am

Time of Death: December 2, 2016 - 11:00am

Preliminary Report

During set-up procedures for a new longwall installation two technical representatives for the shield manufacturer were in the process of adding components to the hydraulic system of a longwall shield. One technician was positioned inside the shield near the hinge point when the shield collapsed, crushing the victim. Responders were able to raise the shield to recover the victim. The victim was transported to the surface where he was pronounced dead.

On December 2, 2016, a technical representative for a shield manufacturer, with 13 years of experience, received fatal injuries while adding components to the hydraulic system of a longwall shield. The victim was positioned inside the shield near the hinge point when the shield collapsed and crushed him.